The U.S. expects to have arrangements in Gaza ready for humanitarian workers to start delivering aid this month via a new U.S.-backed sea route. An official with the U.S. Agency for International Development tells The Associated Press that humanitarian groups expect to have their part of preparations complete by early to mid-month. That is timed to when the U.S. military expects to finish construction on a new floating pier. USAID officials say getting more emergency nutritional treatment to starving children is one of their priorities for Gaza. They spoke ahead of USAID Administrator Samantha Power's visit to a Georgia factory making the emergency feeding paste for starving children and announcement of a $200 million investment.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says he doesn’t see a significant issue with Russia moving some troops onto an airbase in Niger where a small number of U.S. forces remain. Austin said late Thursday the Russians are in a separate compound and don’t have access to U.S. forces or equipment. A U.S. official says most American troops left that base in the nation’s capital, Niamey. Russian trainers arrived in Niger about three weeks ago. It was unclear then where they were housed. The West African nation has ordered all U.S. troops out of the country. The Pentagon has said they'll depart but hasn't provided a timeline.

The retirement of Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow has opened a Senate seat in Michigan. The race is expected to be highly competitive with control of the upper chamber on the line in November. Top candidates have emerged for each party ahead of the state's August primaries. U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin has coalesced support on the Democratic side and has a large fundraising lead. Republicans have rallied behind former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers in a more competitive primary after he gained the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. Slotkin and Rogers each have strong resumes. The race could have an impact on the presidential race in a crucial swing state.